Big Small Talk: March 8-15

March 7, 2013 5:54 p.m. ET

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Michael Caine
Paramount, The Kobal Collection

The Icon

His name is Michael Caine

As the actor who launched a thousand schoolyard impressions turns 80, the Museum of London has put together a retrospective charting Michael Caine's rise from Cockney charmer to Hollywood heavyweight. This small but tasty exhibition of stills, photographs by big names like David Bailey and Terry O'Neill, and themed film montages of his best bits will make you long to saunter down Carnaby Street with your dolly bird. An exquisite still of Mr. Caine as Alfie may well blow your doors off. museumoflondon.org.uk LB

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Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6

The Spirit

A rare cask of cognac

In the world of fine cognac, it doesn't come much more sought-after or expensive than Rémy Martin's Louis XIII Rare Cask. The first cask saw just 786 decanters released for an astonishing £17,500 each. Now, the cognac house is preparing to introduce a second: Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6, sourced by cellar master Pierrette Trichet. This time, there are only 738 decanters, each made from black Baccarat crystal engraved with an individual number and costing upward of £17,500. Expect to sip it at Europe's most upscale establishments starting this summer. louis-xiii.com WL

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AFrame's Bluetooth stereo speaker can hide behind framed photographs.

The Gadget

Art for audiophiles

You've gotten rid of unsightly cable clutter with wireless speakers. But what to do with those still clumsy speaker boxes? AFrame's Bluetooth stereo speaker hides two 17-centimeter glass fiber drivers, two titanium tweeters and a 40-watt RMS stereo amplifier behind framed photographs or paintings (you can even submit your own). Starting at $599 (€450), the aFrame accepts signals from smartphones, as well as iPads and Bluetooth-equipped devices. aframeaudio.com TG

The Jewelry

A piece of Paloma

Paloma Picasso's new range for Tiffany extends an olive branch of a more sparkly variety this spring. Capturing the verdant surroundings of her Moroccan home, the range consists of pieces inspired by olive groves and designed to symbolize peace. Rings come in brightly hued rubellite cabochons or green peridots, entwined with diamonds. An olive leaf bib of green tsavorites and 18-karat gold has something of the Titania luxe about it. A gold cuff in a leaf design adds an earthy, bucolic edge to any outfit. tiffany.com JS

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Kodaline begins touring this month.

The Discovery

Kodaline

You could be forgiven for thinking that "All I Want" is a forgotten track from Coldplay's "Parachutes" (2000). It has the same melodic, melancholic string that put the British band on the track to superstardom. And Kodaline, the Dublin-based band behind the song, are hoping it does the same for them. Their new album "In a Perfect World," out June 10, could provide the sound of summer 2013. Get an early dose of sonic sunshine by catching the band on tour, from March 23. kodaline.com TG

The Festival

There's no place like home

Want to channel your inner Kelly Hoppen? Head to London Design Week March 20-22. Held in the heart of one of London's interior-design hubs, Chelsea Harbour, it is the ultimate insiders' festival—a magnet for designers, architects and amateurs with a flair for the contemporary. With new ranges from more than 500 brands on display at the London Design Centre and elsewhere in Chelsea, the festival also offers opportunities to meet designers and attend talks and workshops. dcch.co.uk ECM

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